How severe is CVE-2018-16117?

CVE-2018-16117 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2018-16117 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 44% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-16117?

CVE-2018-16117 primarily affects Sophos Sfos. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-16117?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2018-16117 published?

CVE-2018-16117 was published on 2019-06-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-16117

CVE-2018-16117 is a high-severity vulnerability in Sophos Sfos with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 44% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
CVSS v2: 9.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 44% (99th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-78
Affected product: Sophos Sfos
Published: 2019-06-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A shell escape vulnerability in /webconsole/Controller in Admin Portal of Sophos XG firewall 17.0.8 MR-8 allow remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via shell metacharacters in the "dbName" POST parameter.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-16117?: A shell escape vulnerability in /webconsole/Controller in Admin Portal of Sophos XG firewall 17.0.8 MR-8 allow remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via shell metacharacters in the "dbName" POST parameter.
How severe is CVE-2018-16117?: CVE-2018-16117 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2018-16117 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 44% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-16117?: CVE-2018-16117 primarily affects Sophos Sfos. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-16117?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2018-16117 published?: CVE-2018-16117 was published on 2019-06-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:o:sophos:sfos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sophos:sfos:17.1:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sophos:sfos:17.1:maintenance_release1:*:*:*:*:*:*

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